Xavier Lopez — also known as ‘Chabelowho for decades brought laughter and entertainment to the television screens of Mexican and Hispanic families has died.
The legendary comedian and actor, famous for dressing up as a young child and starring in a number of sketch and comedy shows, died on Saturday … which was first announced by the Mexican president, no less – Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador — on twitter.
Abrazo a familiares y amigos por el fallecimiento by Xavier López “Chabelo”. Cómo olvidar que mi hijo mayor se despertaba temprano para verlo hace más de 40 años.
— Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) March 25, 2023
He wrote (in Spanish): “Hugs to family and friends on the death of Xavier López ‘Chabelo’. How can I forget that my eldest son woke up early to see him over 40 years ago.”
Chabelos Facebook Page went into more detail on exactly how he died with a message from his family, noting that there were abdominal complications he was dealing with – which allegedly suddenly took his life. It is unclear what type of illness he may have been battling.
In any case, the post continues… “It is with a torn soul and knowing that many and many people have loved him for many years and will feel his passing, we ask that you pray for his rest and allow us the opportunity to to spend in peace the grief that overwhelms our entire family.”
Chabelo was well known in Spanish-speaking households – not only in Mexico, where he lived and worked, but also here in the States…since his content was a staple of early-morning children’s programs. His most famous contribution might be his long-running variety show En Familia con Chabelo. He played the host – in the role of a little boy named Chabelo, dressed in childish overalls etc. – and played games, conducted interviews and more.
In particular, the fact that this show ran continuously for so long (1968-2012) that the host actually won a couple of Guinness World Records – one for longest career as a children’s television host and another for portraying the Chabelo character in general (57 years ).
Other successful shows in which he acted as spearhead and star were… “La carabina de Ambrosio”, “La Güereja y algo más”, “La escuelita VIP”, “La familia P. Luche” and many, many others.
Chabelo is credited with creating an entire subgenre of comedy in Latin America… namely adults portraying themselves as children – which has been done on and off over the years. This guy is the original… and his passing is like losing someone like him FredRogers.
He is survived by his wife and children. Chabelo was 88.
REST IN PEACE